Method and structure for waterproofing a terminal splice

Abstract

A method of waterproofing a terminal that includes a stopper inserted in one opening of a heat shrinkable tube. The heat shrinkable tube is heat-shrunk in this state to form a cap having a end closure. A fluid thermosetting waterproofing agent is injected into the cap from a second opening. A thermal splice, which is formed from welded strands stripped from a plurality of wire terminals, is inserted and immersed in the thermosetting waterproofing agent. Then, the entire cap is heated and heat-shrunk at a predetermined temperature and the thermosetting waterproofing agent is heat-hardened.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present disclosure relates to subject matter contained in priority Japanese Application No. 2004-263025, filed on Sep. 9, 2004, which is herein expressively incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a method and a structure for waterproofing a terminal splice, and in particular for waterproofing the terminal splice at a location where strands stripped from a plurality of wire terminals are connected.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]A conventional method to electrically connect wires of a wire harness routed in an automobile is, as shown in FIG. 6, to weld and join strands Wa stripped from a plurality of wire W terminals to form a terminal splice Y. Waterproofing is required when terminal splice Y is placed in an area exposed to water as the wire harness is installed in a vehicle. FIG. 6 illustrates a conventional waterproofing meth...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a method and structure for waterproofing a terminal splice using a heat shrinkable tube. The method involves inserting a stopper in the tube, heating the tube to shrink it and accelerate the hardening of a waterproofing agent, and injecting the waterproofing agent into the tube through an opening. The waterproofing agent is then heated at the same time to further accelerate hardening. The heated tube is then used to cover the terminal splice, improving workability and waterproofing performance. The invention reduces the size of the cap after heating, reduces the size of the external part of the terminal splice, and reduces the usage of the waterproofing agent, contributing to cost reduction.

Problems solved by technology

Since cap 1 used is large even if terminal splice Y is small, the cap occupies a space when terminal splice Y is placed in an external part, reducing space efficiency.

Especially, when terminal splice Y is placed into a corrugated tube, a large-diameter corrugated tube is required, resulting in cost increase.

In addition, the larger the internal diameter of cap 1 becomes, the more waterproofing agent 2 is required for the injection, which increases the cost of waterproofing agent 2.

Using butyl rubber 6 of low fluidity as filler, however, reduces workability when injecting butyl rubber 6 inside heat shrinkable tube 4.

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